Horse Racing: When masterly O'Brien is in the race it is time to take note

Published on Wednesday 6 May 2009 10:20

AIDAN O'BRIEN always has to be respected when he decides to leave his Irish base for these shores, and Masterofthehorse sets a good standard in tomorrow's Virgin Money Chester Vase.

The Ballydoyle trainer may have been out of luck at Newmarket last weekend but one thing that did come out of the Classics was the strength in depth of the three-year-olds over in Ireland. Four of the first five home in the 2000 Guineas were trained in the Emerald Isle, with only the favourite Delegator preventing a clean sweep.

The Irish also provided two of the first four in the fillies' event.

Masterofthehorse must be forgiven a poor run in the Racing Post Trophy last October, but there is every chance he may have been over the top at such a late stage in the season. Before that, however, his form was not far off the very best. Second on debut behind Gan Amhras, subsequently placed in the 2000 Guineas, he then bolted up in a Gowran maiden before finishing a half-length third in the Beresford Stakes.

Those who beat him that day were the John Oxx pair of Sea The Stars – we now know how good he is – and Mourayan, another fancy for the Derby. As a full brother to Oaks winner Alexandrova, he should come into his own over middle distances this year. His reappearance is eagerly anticipated.

The extrabet.com Huxley Stakes may only be a Group Three on paper, but it has attracted some top-class types, none more so than Lincoln winner Expresso Star.

John Gosden's colt has something to find with the likes of Derby fourth Doctor Fremantle and Walter Swinburn's Staying On, but he is all about potential.